Bulawayo man granted bail over 32kg copper cable theft

A 66-year-old man from Bulawayo has been granted bail after being arrested for allegedly possessing copper cables without authorisation.

Nhlanhla Ndebele appeared before regional magistrate Mark Dzira, who released him on US$200 bail. As part of the conditions, Ndebele was ordered to surrender his passport. His trial is scheduled to begin on March 27.

He is facing charges of unlawful possession of copper cables in contravention of the Electricity Act after allegedly failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for being in possession of 32kg of copper used in electricity transmission.

The court heard that on March 10, detectives from the CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit were conducting patrols in Old Luveve when they spotted Ndebele seated in a white Toyota Hilux with a South African registration plate near his residence.

After identifying themselves, the detectives requested permission to search the vehicle, which Ndebele reportedly granted.

During the search, officers discovered concealed compartments beneath both sides of the vehicle's load box. Inside, they recovered copper cables that had been cut into small pieces.

Ndebele allegedly failed to produce any licence or permit authorising possession of the copper, leading to his immediate arrest.

Police seized the copper cables, the vehicle, and his Zimbabwean passport. His driving permit was also confiscated.

The recovered copper was weighed at Zimpost in Bulawayo on March 11 before being sent to the Zimbabwe School of Mines for analysis, where an official report was subsequently issued.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over copper theft and illegal trade, which continue to disrupt essential infrastructure and electricity supply in the country.